“Last chance to back out,” said Karl. “Any takers?”
Feet shuffled but no one left the line.
“Great! Let’s get this show on the road.” He walked up the ramp.
In two columns, we filed up the ramp and into the dark maw of the beast.
“Turn and face inward.” Feet shuffled again. “Clip on.”
The click-swish of twenty snap hooks fastening to the internal steel cables rippled along the cabin.
Karl walked between the rows inspecting each clip. Satisfied, he turned and faced us. “Be seated.”
We sat as one, backsides thudding onto benches.
Cocooned in a metal tube, there wasn’t much to see except each other. Whining of hydraulics signalled the door closing, many eyes focusing on the exit.
A rumbling coughing sound as the engines fired up, first the left then the right. The vibration felt in every bone, jarring the senses before the roaring settles to a purr.
The engines rev and we’re moving. Bouncing and jostling against the hard wood seat. Squirming to find the impossible comfortable position.
Does my face betray my inner turmoil? The anxious excitement? Or as I look at the others, is it nervous smiles and vacant stares?
The bumpy ride ends with a stomach dropping lurch. Airborne at last!
The vibrations ease to a fizzle as the plane climbs in lazy circles.
Jaws chomp on imaginary gum to pop ears made deaf by altitude. Joy over the released pressure is fleeting when unabated noise fills the gap. Conversation not an option.
Final checks are done and confirmation is given. It’s on and we’re a go!
The droning of the engines blasts in around the lowering rear door. Wind whistles through the cabin while beyond, clear blue skies beckon.
The first two are up, they shuffle forward, wait, then vanish.
And so it goes, with each pair, one on either side. Stand. Shuffle, Wait. Vanish.
Till me.
Shuffling along, the noise is phenomenal but the view is spectacular. Blood pumping in my ears. I reach the edge, follow the hand signals. Wait. It seems forever but is seconds.
Left foot.
Right foot.
Out!
From noise to silence in the blink of an eye.
One one-thousand…
Buffeted from all sides, the world spins around.
Two one-thousand…
Head back, arms and legs out, the snap of cloth catching wind.
Three one-thousand…
Body jerked upward, then quiet, solitude, peace.
Four one-thousand…
Back arched, head back, four-second count, check chute.
Damn that was exhilarating! Must do it again!
It’s there, my canopy. Never doubted it for a second.
A patchwork quilt of green and yellow fields stretch for miles in every direction broken by a road or river.
Floating down out here is peaceful, relaxing. The calmest I’ve ever been. The rustle of feathers stroking air catch my attention as a bird flies past, indifferent to my existence.
A second or two more to enjoy the view, revelling in the freedom. Alas, it is over far too quick. Time to focus.
Landing area, landing area. Ah, there you are, at my three o’clock.
Adjust toggles, gentle sweep in, aim for the bullseye.
Knees and ankles together, legs slightly bent. Remember to roll.
Bloody hell! They weren’t joking, that last hundred feet really does seem to rush up to greet you.
Textbook landing, perfect roll. Up and gather the parachute. Check vicinity for other jumpers and wait for pickup. I want another go!